2027 defensive lineman Josh Johnson commits to Miami

With spring practice kicking off for the Hurricanes earlier this morning, it means the recruiting cycle for the 2027 class begins to heat up.

Key West defensive lineman Josh Johnson announced his commitment to Miami, choosing the Hurricanes over the Florida Gators.



A 6-foot-5, 266 pounder, Johnson only played four games this past season due to injury, but that hasn’t stopped his stock quickly rising across the past few months.



Miami offered Johnson in January before he took two separate unofficial visits, namely for “305 Day” earlier this month.

Johnson offers versatility on the line with his size and motor. He’s able to line up across the line in a variety of roles such as three tech and five tech.

Moreover, he uses his levers to his advantage, creating havoc in the backfield after breaking through blocks.

His athleticism stems from a multi-sport background, but not the usual mix for a lineman. Johnson grew up playing soccer and baseball, even kicking for his high school side.

He’s spoke extensively about the staff and his fit at UM, praising both coach Mario Cristobal and defensive coordinator Corey Heatherman.

“The program is more like a family,” Johnson said on the CanesInSight podcast. “It’s not just, ‘you’re a player here’.”

The Key West product is no stranger to the Hurricanes with family ties to the university.

“Miami has always been really special to me since my uncle went there, and growing up in Key West pretty much everyone is a Miami fan,” said Johnson. “I was a Miami fan too.”

Johnson becomes the sixth player in the 2027 class to commit to the Canes and their first defensive lineman in the class.

The staff loves the upside with this pickup as they continue to monitor their picks of the bunch at the position.